National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Sheds Light On Unique Struggles Faced By Racial And Ethnic Communities

In observance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, let’s raise awareness about the distinctive challenges confronted by racial and ethnic minority communities concerning mental illness.

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as our stress management, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making.

Unfortunately, racial and ethnic minorities frequently experience inferior mental health outcomes due to various factors, such as limited access to quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health, discrimination, and inadequate knowledge about mental health issues.

St. Clair County Community Mental Health is dedicated to helping all members of the community no matter their race, color, or creed. They are here to help our minority communities by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health care services, information, and resources.

For more information on mental health services, visit: scccmh.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Allowing Alcohol Sales At College Sporting Events And Making Liquor-To-Go Permanent

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed bipartisan legislation that marks a significant change for college sporting events in Michigan. 

The new law permits alcohol sales at these events, leveling the playing field and bringing Michigan State University and the University of Michigan in line with other Big Ten schools. The move aims to enhance fairness, safety, and revenue generation. 

Governor Whitmer highlighted the potential for reduced binge drinking, as attendees will no longer feel the need to excessively consume alcohol before games. Reports from universities that have already implemented similar policies indicate a decline in alcohol-related incidents.

The legislation, Senate Bill 247, enables the issuance of liquor licenses to sporting venues on public university premises, benefiting both fans and the student experience. Furthermore, Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 141, making the liquor-to-go policy permanent to support small businesses while adhering to CDC guidelines.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Annual St. Clair County 4-H And Youth Fair Brings Something For Everyone

Get ready for the highly anticipated 2023 St. Clair County 4H and Youth Fair, set to take place from July 17 – July 22nd, at Goodells County Park in Goodells.

This exciting event promises a week full of fun-filled attractions and activities for all ages, making it a must-attend for the entire family.

The fairgrounds will feature a wide range of thrilling activities, including carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and delicious food vendors. Attendees can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere as they explore the various animal shows, participate in interactive exhibits, and cheer on the talented youth showcasing their skills in competitions.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local talent, enjoy exciting entertainment, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Mark your calendars and be sure to check out the St. Clair County 4H and Youth Fair!

For more information, visit: stclaircounty4hfair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Record Number of SC4 Athletes Earn NJCAA Academic Awards

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is celebrating a historic achievement as a record-breaking twenty-seven of their Skippers athletes have been named recipients of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) academic awards for the 2022-23 year. 

This is the highest number of academic honorees the Skippers have seen since the early 2000s. To qualify, these student-athletes completed a minimum of 24 credits and maintained an impressive 3.60 GPA or higher.

SC4’s dedication to academic excellence extends to their teams as well. Eight Skippers teams secured NJCAA Academic Team status for the 2022-23 year, boasting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

For the complete list of individual award recipients, visit NJCAA All-Academic Awards, and for team rankings, check out NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Freeways Boost Surveillance With License Plate Readers, Sharing Data With Law Enforcement Agencies

Michigan freeways are now equipped with automated license plate readers (ALPRs) as several law enforcement agencies in the state have adopted or are considering implementing this technology. 

ALPRs scan license plates and cross-reference them with key databases, enabling the identification of associated records. 

The Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) file, which integrates data from the LEIN and National Crime Information Center (NCIC), is now accessible to all authorized LEIN user agencies. 

The license plate readers will help authorities in cases involving stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, wanted persons, missing persons, gang affiliations, suspected terrorists, supervised releases, national sex offenders, and immigration violators. 

With these advancements, Michigan law enforcement aims to enhance public safety and improve their investigative capabilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Ladies Night Out: Indulge in Fine Dining, Live Music, and Dancing Extravaganza

Prepare for an evening filled with delectable cuisine, enchanting melodies, and non-stop dancing at the upcoming Ladies Night Out event. The festivities will take place on Saturday, August 19th, starting at 7 PM at the esteemed Honour Hall/Legion located at 4129 Glenview Rd in Petrolia.

The event will feature a buffet-style dinner and captivating live performance by the talented musical artist Karina Pakalnis/Rose during dinner and cocktail hours. As the night progresses, DJ Music will take over, playing all your favorite tunes from 9 PM to 1 AM.

Ticket holders will be treated to a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival, along with a glass of wine to accompany the delicious dinner. Additionally, door prizes from various “interest table” vendors will be up for grabs.

Tickets are $55 per person (plus taxes/service gratuity). 

For more information, visit: ladies night-out.square.site.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell